Chapter 4 - The Boarding Delay
The heavy aircraft door was slammed shut.
Inside the first-class cabin, Caroline smoothed out her immaculate navy uniform and flashed a brilliant, fake smile to the wealthy passengers.
"I deeply apologize for that disgusting interruption, ladies and gentlemen," Caroline announced, projecting her sweet, professional voice. "We will be pushing back from the gate momentarily. Please enjoy your pre-flight beverages."
Diane and Richard returned to the galley, whispering excitedly about how their lead flight attendant had flawlessly defended the elite status of their cabin. Caroline felt like an absolute queen. She had protected her territory.
Ten minutes passed.
The soft, warm cabin lighting remained constant, but the airplane didn't move. The engines hadn't spooled up to taxi.
Fifteen minutes passed. The wealthy passengers began to murmur, checking their expensive watches in annoyance.
Caroline frowned, walking over to the galley intercom to call the cockpit. She pressed the button. "Captain, this is Caroline. The cabin is secure. Why haven't we pushed back from the gate?"
There was a heavy, static-filled pause on the line.
"Caroline," the Captain’s voice crackled through the intercom, sounding incredibly tense and panicked. "We have a massive problem. The control tower just revoked our clearance. They aren't letting us move. The ground crew just re-attached the jet bridge."
Caroline’s heart completely stopped in her chest. "What? Why?"
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"I don't know," the Captain stammered. "But the Airport Authority and corporate security are demanding that we open the main cabin door immediately."
👉 Caroline hurried to open the door, entirely oblivious to the apocalyptic corporate slaughter waiting for her on the other side.
